Jonathan Pell, Summer of Opera, Part 2

Only four Adler singers sang for me today (I guess the RING has “wrung” them out)—all were fine, but only one really stood out. It is the end of their season, and I am sure they are exhausted.

The WALKUERE tonight was brilliantly directed and some of the singing was thrilling. Francesca Zambello’s production was filled with imaginative ideas that were beautifully realized in Michael Yeargan’s stunning scenery. Wotan in his Valhalla penthouse office overlooking the world was such an incredible image.

Brandon Jovanovich made his role debut in the production as Siegmund, and had a triumph. Nina Stemme must be the reigning Bruennhilde in the world today, and I can hardly wait to hear her in the next two installments. Betsy Bishop was wonderful as Fricka, and her scene with Wotan was one of the highlights of the evening.

So far, this is one of the best RING productions I have ever had the privilege of attending. Fingers crossed that they can maintain this exalted level…